Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

variaTIon in Referral Thresholds in the Chronic Lymphocytic LeukaEmia Pathway

This study is surveying doctors and nurses in West Midlands primary care (GP surgeries) and secondary care (hospitals) to understand how people with a type of blood cancer called Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) are referred to specialists. We want to see if there are differences in when and how people are referred, what advice they receive, and if everyone gets the same quality of care. By identifying these differences, we aim to find the best ways to improve patient health outcomes and ensure everyone with CLL receives consistent care across the region, regardless of where they live.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

130

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Haematological Malignancy

What is this study about?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukaemia in adults, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It often develops slowly, and many people are diagnosed during a routine blood test. While many people with CLL may not need treatment for a long time, it's important to be diagnosed and monitored, as there are steps that can be taken to prevent other health problems. For example, people with CLL are more likely to get certain infections and skin problems, so proper advice and vaccinations can be very helpful.

This study aims to understand how patients with CLL are referred from their family doctor (GP) to a blood specialist (haematologist) in hospitals across the West Midlands. We want to learn more about the steps doctors and nurses take, the advice they give, and the decisions behind these referrals. By gathering information through surveys, we can see if there are any differences in how CLL care is managed in different areas.

The main goals are to identify where these differences in care exist and understand what might be causing them. Ultimately, this will help us suggest ways to make sure that all patients with CLL receive the best possible care, get referred at the right time, and have equal access to specialist support, which can help improve their long-term health and well-being.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on improving care for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) patients.
It surveys doctors and nurses in GP surgeries and hospitals.
The aim is to understand how CLL patients are referred to specialists.
It covers practices and advice given to patients with CLL.
The findings will help ensure consistent, high-quality care for all CLL patients in the West Midlands.

Who may be eligible?

This study is not looking for patients to take part. Instead, it is asking healthcare professionals to share their experiences and practices.

Specifically, the study is interested in hearing from primary care providers, which means doctors working in GP surgeries. It also welcomes input from Clinical Nurse Specialists, who are expert nurses specialising in a particular area of healthcare.

The aim is to understand the referral process and decision-making from the perspective of these healthcare professionals who see and manage patients with CLL.

Quick self-check

Are you a healthcare professional?
Do you work as a Primary Care Provider (e.g., GP)?
Are you a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
Do you provide care for patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve patients directly. Instead, it asks healthcare professionals to complete surveys. Taking part would involve an eligible healthcare professional, such as a GP or Clinical Nurse Specialist, answering questions in a survey about how they refer patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and the advice they give. The surveys are designed to understand current practices and decision-making regarding CLL referrals from GP surgeries to hospital specialists. The total duration of participation would be the time it takes to complete the survey.

Potential risks and benefits

This study does not involve any direct medical intervention or treatment for patients, so there are no direct health risks for individuals. The potential benefit is that the information gathered from healthcare professionals could lead to improved and more consistent care for all CLL patients in the future, helping to ensure everyone receives timely and appropriate specialist support and advice. Healthcare professionals who participate would be contributing to this important goal. Participants, whether patients indirectly or healthcare professionals directly, always have the right to withdraw from a study at any time.

Locations (1)

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

CLL is a common type of blood cancer that usually progresses slowly. Many people are diagnosed incidentally and may not need immediate treatment.

Who is this study for?

This study is for healthcare professionals, such as GPs and specialist nurses, in the West Midlands, not for patients themselves.

What is the main goal of the study?

The main goal is to understand how patients with CLL are referred to specialists and to find ways to make sure everyone gets the best, most consistent care.

Will this study provide medical advice?

No, this study is about understanding and improving healthcare processes, not about giving medical advice. Always consult your doctor for medical concerns.

Why is it important to improve CLL referrals?

Timely and appropriate referrals ensure patients receive the right support, advice (like vaccinations), and management to help prevent other health issues linked to CLL.

How to find out more

Jen Edgecombe

rwh-tr.ukchart@nhs.net 01902 695065 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.